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Uncuffed

Why I named my son after my long lost best friend

Michael Callahan is a participant and producer in the 2025 Uncuffed cohort.
Uncuffed / KALW
Michael Callahan is a participant and producer in the 2025 Uncuffed cohort. He shares the story of why he named his son after his childhood best friend.

When Michael Callahan thinks back to his childhood, some of his favorite memories are from the time he spent with his best friend, Isaac. They lost touch when Michael moved away, but he never forgot about Isaac and his family’s kindness. Uncuffed producer Fonuamana Fuahala interviewed Michael about how he still honors his friend, decades later.

This piece was created by student producers in the Uncuffed audio storytelling training program, in partnership with journalists at KALW Public Media. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. Content is approved by an information officer.

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Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.uncuffed.org

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Uncuffed From The Producers Of Uncuffed
Fonuamana Fuahala is a leader in San Quentin's Native Hawaiian Religious Group. He is passionate about preserving culture and promoting cultural identity. He serves his community as a member of the Incarcerated Person Advisory Council and by facilitating a class about restorative justice. He's deeply devoted to his Christian faith and minsters to the population at San Quentin.
Michael Callahan is a husband of 17 years to a beautiful, supportive and faithful wife, and a father to three handsome boys — all of whom live in Southern California. He is dedicated to his recovery, and spreads the message of the realities and dangers of driving under the influence. He serves in the church, and works for San Quentin News as a layout designer and staff writer. His inspiration comes from serving his community and providing a voice for the incarcerated. Early next year, he'll be graduating with an associates degree in Business, Sociology, and Social Sciences.
Uncuffed
Stories from inside California prisons